|
For the ultimate thrill, put on your wetsuit, run into the sea, unfurl
your sail and get windsurfing
 About 20 years
ago, Wiman Boonyaratavej went to a bookshop to buy a guitar book. But he
came home with a windsurfing magazine instead, captivated by the images on
its cover, not realising that it would change his life forever.
"Since buying the magazine 19 years ago, I haven't spent a single weekend
in Bangkok," said the 44-year-old surfer, now semi-retired from the family
business.
When he finished reading the magazine from cover to cover, he went
straight to Bung Takoh, Samut Prakan _ famous for its artificial lakes used
for producing salt _ and jumped on a surfboard.
He wanted to see if what the magazine said _ "Windsurfing is not hard" _
was true.
And miraculously he was able to stay up on the board almost instantly.
"I was very surprised to be able to windsurf on my first day," he
recalled. "Moving on the water's surface was an incredibly great feeling."
A few sessions at the lake gave him enough confidence to venture out onto
the open sea. And he didn't hesitate to buy the full set of equipment
including wetsuit, board and sail, only to discover that things weren't
quite as easy away from the calm of the lake.
"With the wind and the waves, I kept falling off the board," he recalled.
"It was a big disappointment."
But that initial disappointment just made him more determined. The man
with the tanned skin gave it another shot and started practicing weekly at
Bang Phra reservoir in Chon Buri.
Because at that time very few people in Thailand were involved with the
sport, there was no instructors, so he had to teach himself everything.
After a few months training on the waveless water, he regained his
confidence and returned to Pattaya.
There were about 10 people at the windsurfing club he joined, all of whom
were very good at the sport. So he kept practising in order to keep up.
From the starting point of surfing in a straight line without falling
off, he built his speed up before moving on to the next step: Learning how
to turn.
"Gybing is a challenge for every beginner," he said. "Every surfer falls
off the board before they learn how to do it successfully."
Wiman himself has fallen off countless times. On many occasions, he has
also hurt his legs and back, from pulling himself back onto the board again.
"Pulling yourself out of the water ... it's all about balance, not about
having exceptional strength," he explained.
As with everything, the key to success is practise. That, together with
techniques picked up from magazines, helped him to fall off less often and
to get back on more easily.
"Gybing," he said, "is a turning point. If one gets discouraged too
easily, you'll quit at this stage. But after learning to gybe you'll become
addicted.
"Everything gets very relaxed and comfortable, as if you're sitting on a
chair moving through the sea," he explained.
To Wiman, windsurfing is an adrenalin rush.
"Windsurfing is the only sport that gives a never-ending thrill," he
said. "The whole time you're on the board is a high that doesn't end. It
also reduces stress," he said.
"You can't think of anything else when you're windsurfing _ if you do,
you'll fall off! The sport requires your full concentration, especially when
there's a strong wind," he said. "It's just you and the sea."
He explained this time as "a time of freedom". He can perform manoeuvres
at sea and feels he can go wherever he wants.
"It's also a time of joy. I notice myself smiling every time I get on my
board," he said.
However, in order to have fun, a little help from nature is needed.
Windsurfing is a sport that needs wind _ a day with no wind means a day with
no windsurfing.
"Sometimes we have to follow the wind and find other places to windsurf,
like the reservoir in Pattaya," he said, adding that he prefers a windspeed
of at least 15 knots.
Wiman said he loves it when there's good wind and waves, as he can
perform some spectacular manoeuvres.
"Windsurfing is about showing off," he said. "It's fun to ride big waves
with some classy moves. Friends on the shore clap and cheer."
You have to take care though. He remembered once he broke the mast after
performing a high jump and had a hard landing. Luckily he was on his way
back to shore and got back safely.
Another near-disaster happened early one cold and windy morning, recalled
Wiman. He wanted to windsurf so badly that he underestimated the weather.
About a kilometre away from shore, he could not stay up on the board because
of the strength of the wind. Luckily he was given a tow by a fishing boat
returning to shore.
"There are two things to keep in mind in any unexpected situation _ don't
panic and stay calm," he said. "Then everything will be okay."
A good idea is not to windsurf alone, so if you do get into difficulties
there will be someone on hand to help.
"Don't be afraid to try windsurfing. It isn't dangerous," he said. "It's
the kind of sport that gives great pleasure. And it doesn't cause any
pollution.
"And it's great fun," he said.
TO WINDSURF, THE FOLLOWING ARE REQUIRED:
- BOARD: Boards come in a variety of types including rest boards, wave
boards, freeride boards and freestyle boards.
- SAIL: The bigger the sail, the faster you'll go. However, the size of
the sail _ which can range from 5.5 to 12 square metres _ should match your
body weight.
- WETSUIT: It is not vital to have a wetsuit but it increases safety.
Wiman said that a suit keeps your body warm and also protects you from
poisonous jellyfish.
You don't need to buy the equipment just to try the sport. If you're not
sure whether you want to take up the sport seriously, you can rent what you
need from a clubs for about 400 to 500 baht per hour.
Of course, you'll also need ...
- WIND: A wind speed of at least 12 knots (just over 20kph) is needed for
windsurfing.
- WATER: You can windsurf at any beach. The ones Wiman suggests are also
home to windsurfing clubs that offer windsurfing courses. There are a few
clubs in Pattaya alone, including Choke-D Windsurfing Club (01-861-3362) and
Club Lung Chad (01-340-2180). There are also clubs in Bang San, Rayong, Hua
Hin and Cha-Am.
It is advisable for beginners to wear life jackets when practising.
You can windsurf all the year round, although the best time of day for
beginners is in the morning _ from 9:00am to noon _ since the sea is calmer
and the wind less strong than in the afternoon. |
